Grading the 49ers' victory over Green Bay

The San Francisco 49ers' Justin Smith (94) flushes the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rogers out of the pocket in the second half of their NFL game played at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. ((Dan Honda/Bay Area News Group))

SAN FRANCISCO -- Here is how the 49ers graded out in their season-opening, 34-28 win Sunday over the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park:

PASS OFFENSE: As Colin Kaepernick's 412 yards would indicate, aggressive and accurate throws led to his career-best passing day, along with helpful receivers Anquan Boldin (208-yard debut) and Vernon Davis (two touchdowns). Jim Harbaugh credited the offensive line for protecting Kaepernick, but the coach also noted the quarterback's "best-ever" ability to throw so well on the move.

Grade: A

RUN OFFENSE: Right tackle Anthony Davis described the early rushing attack as being "chained to a stump." The 49ers broke through on their game-winning touchdown drive, as Bruce Miller's block sprung Kendall Hunter for a 23-yard gain, then Frank Gore followed up his own 8-yard run with at 1-yard touchdown plunge. Gore had just 44 yards on 21 carries (2.1 average).

Grade: C-

PASS DEFENSE: Mixed results across the board, as best illustrated in safety Eric Reid's successful debut. Reid made an athletic interception one play after missing a tackle. Nnamdi Asomugha and Perrish Cox also missed tackles, but Asomugha successfully defended a third-down pass in the fourth quarter. Donte Whitner stopped Randall Cobb in bounds to help kill out precious seconds on the last drive.

SPECIAL TEAMS: After Gore's go-ahead touchdown, C.J. Spillman made a tackle at the Packers 9 on a fourth-quarter kickoff return. Phil Dawson's debut wasn't perfect as he missed his first field-goal attempt (48 yards) before nailing his next two tries (27, 33 yards). The coverage units didn't allow a return longer than 17 yards, but Tramaine Brock drew two penalties on one punt coverage.

Grade: B-

COACHING: After misdirecting the Packers defense by talking about read-option hits on Kaepernick, the 49ers unleashed a pass-heavy attack that seized upon a suspect secondary. Emotions ran high but not out of control. Adjustments on defense and in the rushing attack helped key the fourth-quarter comeback. Late play calls and timeouts are a concern.